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Abstract Objective Epilepsy requires continuous medical attention from multiple healthcare specialists, specialized facilities, and community‐based care. In Spain, there is no standardized approach to epilepsy care. The aim of this study was to identify the factors impacting on the delivery of high‐quality care by exploring key steps and barriers along the patient journey through the Spanish National Healthcare System (NHS). Methods A qualitative study was conducted using opinions and experiences of neurologists, nurses, patients, and caregivers shared in discussion meetings. Using thematic content analyses, relevant aim‐focused statements were coded according to prespecified issues in a discussion map (i.e., key steps and barriers), and sub‐coded according to emerging issues. Thematic saturation and co‐occurrence of key steps/barriers were evaluated to identify the most relevant factors impacting on the delivery of high‐quality care. Results Sixty‐five stakeholders took part in discussion meetings (36 neurologists, 10 nurses, 10 patients, and nine caregivers). Six key steps on the patient journey were identified: emergency care, diagnosis, drug therapy, follow‐up, referral, and interventional treatment. Of these, follow‐up was the most relevant step impacting on the delivery of high‐quality patient care, followed by drug therapy and diagnosis. Emergency care was considered a hot‐spot step with impact throughout the patient journey. Communication (among HCPs and between HCPs and patients) was a barrier to the delivery of high‐quality care at several stages of the patient journey, including drug therapy, follow‐up, referral, and interventional treatment. Resource availability was a barrier for diagnosis (especially for confirmation), drug therapy (drug availability), and referral (lack of professionals and specialized centers, and long waiting lists). Significance This is the first study capturing perspectives of four key stakeholders involved in epilepsy care in Spain. We provide an overview of the patient journey through the Spanish NHS and highlight opportunities to improve the delivery of patient‐centered care with a chronicity perspective. Plain Language Summary Patients with epilepsy may require prolonged medical care. In Spain, care is provided by a range of specialist and non‐specialist centers. In this study, a team of Spanish neurologists, nurses, patients and caregivers identified barriers that affect the delivery of high‐quality care for patients with epilepsy at each stage of their journey through the Spanish NHS. Specific epilepsy training for healthcare providers, appropriate resources for diagnosing and treating patients, and good communication between healthcare workers and patients were identified as important factors in providing high‐quality care for patients with epilepsy.

Abstract In modern human societies, social isolation acts as a negative factor for health and life quality. On the other hand, social interaction also has profound effects on animal and human, impacting aggressiveness, feeding and sleep, among many other behaviors. Here, we observe that in the fly Drosophila melanogaster these behavioral changes long-last even after social interaction has ceased, suggesting that the socialization experience triggers behavioral plasticity. These modified behaviors maintain similar levels for 24 h and persist up to 72 h, although showing a progressive decay. We also find that impairing long-term memory mechanisms either genetically or by anesthesia abolishes the expected behavioral changes in response to social interaction. Furthermore, we show that socialization increases CREB-dependent neuronal activity and synaptic plasticity in the mushroom body, the main insect memory center analogous to mammalian hippocampus. We propose that social interaction triggers socialization awareness, understood as long-lasting changes in behavior caused by experience with mechanistic similarities to long-term memory formation.

BackgroundThe upper-airway microbiome is involved in asthma exacerbations despite inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) treatment. Although human genetics regulates microbiome composition, its influence on asthma-related airway bacteria remains unknown.ObjectiveWe sought to identify genes and biological pathways regulating airway-microbiome traits involved in asthma exacerbations and ICS response.MethodsSaliva, nasal, and pharyngeal samples from 257 European patients with asthma were analyzed. The association of 6,296,951 genetic variants with exacerbation-related microbiome traits despite ICS treatment was tested through microbiome genome-wide association studies. Variants with 1 × 10-4 -6 were examined in gene-set enrichment analyses. Significant results were sought for replication in 114 African American and 158 Latino children with and without asthma. ICS-response-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms reported in the literature were evaluated as microbiome quantitative trait loci. Multiple comparisons were adjusted by the false discovery rate.ResultsGenes associated with exacerbation-related airway-microbiome traits were enriched in asthma comorbidities development (ie, reflux esophagitis, obesity, and smoking), and were likely regulated by trichostatin A and the nuclear factor-κB, the glucocorticosteroid receptor, and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein transcription factors (7.8 × 10-13 ≤ false discovery rate ≤ 0.022). Enrichment in smoking, trichostatin A, nuclear factor-κB, and glucocorticosteroid receptor were replicated in the saliva samples from diverse populations (4.42 × 10-9 ≤ P ≤ .008). The ICS-response-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms rs5995653 (APOBEC3B-APOBEC3C), rs6467778 (TRIM24), and rs5752429 (TPST2) were identified as microbiome quantitative trait loci of Streptococcus, Tannerella, and Campylobacter in the upper airway (0.027 ≤ false discovery rate ≤ 0.050).ConclusionsGenes associated with asthma exacerbation-related microbiome traits might influence asthma comorbidities. We reinforced the therapeutic interest of trichostatin A, nuclear factor-κB, the glucocorticosteroid receptor, and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein in asthma exacerbations.

Abstract Our study aimed to verify the possibilities of effectively applying chronnectomics methods to reconstruct the dynamic processes of network transition between three types of brain states, namely, eyes-closed rest, eyes-open rest, and a task state. The study involved dense EEG recordings and reconstruction of the source-level time-courses of the signals. Functional connectivity was measured using the phase lag index, and dynamic analyses concerned coupling strength and variability in alpha and beta frequencies. The results showed significant and dynamically specific transitions regarding processes of eyes opening and closing and during the eyes-closed-to-task transition in the alpha band. These observations considered a global dimension, default mode network, and central executive network. The decrease of connectivity strength and variability that accompanied eye-opening was a faster process than the synchronization increase during eye-opening, suggesting that these two transitions exhibit different reorganization times. While referring the obtained results to network studies, it was indicated that the scope of potential similarities and differences between rest and task-related networks depends on whether the resting state was recorded in eyes closed or open condition.

Food allergies have increased significantly in recent decades, with shellfish being a leading cause of food allergy and anaphylaxis worldwide, affecting both children and adults. The prevalence of shellfish allergies is estimated to be approximately 0.5–2.5% of the general population, varying significantly by geographical location, age, and consumption habits. Although mollusk consumption has risen, the prevalence of mollusk allergies remains unknown. While extensive research has focused on crustacean allergies, mollusk allergies, particularly those related to gastropods, have received comparatively less attention. Clinical manifestations of shellfish allergy range from localized symptoms to life-threatening systemic reactions, such as anaphylaxis. Notably, severe bronchospasm is a predominant clinical feature in cases involving gastropods. Several allergens have been identified in mollusks, including paramyosin, tropomyosin, and sarcoplasmic calcium-binding protein. In gastropods, documented allergens include tropomyosin, paramyosin, the heavy chain of myosin, and Der p 4 amylase. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical history, skin testing, in vitro quantification of immunoglobulin (Ig) E, and confirmation through an oral challenge, although the latter is reserved for selected cases. This narrative review highlights the limited research on gastropod allergy. It provides a comprehensive list of purified and recombinant allergens and discusses the applications of component-resolved diagnosis as well as current therapeutic developments.

Introduction: Injectable extended-release formulations of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists (LHRHa) have simplified the treatment of prostate cancer with a satisfactory level of androgen castration. This study aims to determine the percentage of patients whose initial LHRHa prescription was renewed during follow-up, how many changed formulation and how their quality of life evolved. Methods: This is an observational, prospective, multicentre study of men with prostate cancer who were to receive treatment with LHRHa (triptorelin every 3 or 6 months, leuprorelin every 3 or 6 months, or goserelin every 3 months) for 24 months. The treatment used was recorded and quality of life was assessed (QLQ-PR25 questionnaire) at four follow-up visits. Results: A total of 497 men (median age 75 years) were evaluated. The median exposure to LHRHa was 24 months. The initial prescription was renewed in 95.7% at follow-up 1 and 75% at follow-up 4. The main reason for changing from a 6-month to a 3-month formulation was a preference for sequential treatment (according to the investigator) and to see the physician more frequently (according to the patient). The main reason for switching from the 3-month to 6-month formulation was simplification of treatment (according to the investigator) and for convenience (according to the patient). Findings in the QLQ-PR25 questionnaire revealed no changes in urinary or bowel symptoms, though an improvement in sexual activity was reported. Practically all investigators and patients were satisfied/very satisfied with the treatment. Conclusion: Changes in formulation were scarce and generally justified by convenience factors or personal preferences. Patients maintained a good health status, with a high rate of retention of LHRHa treatment. Clinical Trial Registration: Study number: A-ES-52014-224. A plain language summary is provided as supplementary material (available at: https://www.drugsincontext.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/dic.2024-2-2-Suppl.pdf).

Policies restricting bilingual education have yielded to policy frameworks touting its benefits. This shift corresponds with evolving lines of debate, focusing now on "how" bilingual education can best support racialized bilingual learners. One element of this new debate is the perspective on language underlying curriculum in bilingual programs, with a focus on translanguaging-- normalization of the language practices of bilingual communities and positing that bilinguals draw from a singular linguistic repertoire. This article examines initiatives undertaken in California between 2010 and 2019 using Critical Policy Analysis. The work highlights that while opportunities for translanguaging have arisen, tensions between heteroglossic perspectives and the impulses toward standardization and commodification of language undermine such possibilities, and that notable gaps remain between teacher preparation frameworks and intended pedagogical practice.

This educational case study examines the efforts of one Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) to counter deficit narratives and provide institutional as well as interpersonal supports for Latinx student success through a Student Leadership Retreat. We consider these activities and students' experiences therein through the lenses of Latinx leadership and Gloria Anzaldúa's notion of "conocimiento." To do so, we rely on established methods in Chicanx Studies that center the voices of participants and communities to foreground emic systems of knowledge and activity qualitatively. Specifically, we examined students' experiences in programming undergirded by "conocimiento" (iterative and dialogic understanding of ourselves and others), "cariño" (care for self and others), and "confianza" (trust) in contrast to more traditionally individualistic, competitive, and transactional arrangements within higher education.

Dasatinib is a second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor employed for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treatment that achieves high rates of prolonged and complete molecular responses (MR). Among the adverse effects reported, it has been associated with hemorrhagic complications, mainly due to its inhibiting effects on platelet functions. In addition, immune alterations induced by dasatinib may elevate the risk of bleeding and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract, thus contributing to the development of hemorrhagic colitis. In this case report, we highlight three cases of CML receiving treatment with dasatinib where CMV hemorrhagic colitis occurred. All of them exhibited iron deficiency anemia as a premature clinical manifestation in the absence of intestinal symptoms, unlike cases previously reported in the literature. CMV infection was confirmed with stool samples or tissue quantitative polymerase chain reaction and/or immunohistochemistry staining in colon biopsies. All three cases could be managed with valganciclovir and iron supplements in an outpatient setting. Management strategies of dasatinib during and after CMV infection varied, as they are not yet established and need to be individualized based on the gravity of symptoms and disease state. Iron deficiency anemia during dasatinib treatment should raise suspicion for the potential presence of CMV colitis, prompting endoscopic studies to rule out this complication, even if intestinal symptoms are not present.

Thermal barrier coatings (TBC) are frequently used to provide thermal insulation to metallic components. The material used in this investigation comprises a ceramic top layer, ZrO2 8Y2O3 (Y-PSZ), and an overlay coating, Ni22Cr10Al1Y, air plasma sprayed on to a nickel base alloy Inconel 600 substrate. Yttria stabilizes the cubic phase zirconia, but it can react with S, V and Na contaminants contained in many low-quality industrial fuels. A decrease in the yttria content promotes the transformation to monoclinic ZrO2. The materials were subjected to an isothermal air furnace test under 40% Na2SO4 - 60% V2O5 mixtures at 800 ºC for 48 and 144h. The degradation of the coating was analyzed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The microstructure was characterized by enviromental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), X-ray microanalysis (EDX) and x ray diffracction (XRD).Las barreras térmicas son sistemas multicapa que se aplican a sustratos metálicos para mejorar su resistencia a la temperatura. El material utilizado en el trabajo es un sustrato base níquel (Inconel 600) con recubrimiento multicapa de NiCrAlY y ZrO2 parcialmente estabilizada con Y2O3 (Y-PSZ) depositado por plasma atmosférico. La presencia de contaminantes, como S, V o Na presentes en combustibles de baja calidad, puede dar lugar a reacciones con este óxido estabilizador de la circona (Y2O3), originando una desestabilización estructural de la circona por disminución del contenido en itria. En esta comunicación se ha realizado un estudio sistemático de la degradación del material frente a determinados agentes corrosivos a elevada temperatura. Sobre la superficie de las muestras se añadieron mezclas de 40% Na2SO4-60% V2O5 y se trataron isotérmicamente a 800 ºC durante 48 y 144 horas. Finalmente, se evaluó la modificación de las propiedades por efecto de los agentes agresivos. Mediante la técnica de espectroscopía de impedancia electroquímica (EIS) se estimó la degradación de la barrera térmica. El estudio de la evolución microestructural se realizó mediante técnicas de microscopía óptica (MO), electrónica de barrido ambiental (ESEM) y difracción de rayos X (DRX).

University education, in terms of its social and environmental responsibility, plays an important role in promoting local and global sustainability from its fundamental corporate principles: "Mission, Vision and Values". Four dimensions associated with fourteen values related to blue and sustainable entrepreneurship were considered in this study: "Entrepreneurship values", "Personal values", "Social values" and "Environmental values" (the variables that are the object of this diagnostic study), which enabled the internal correlations that occurred between them to be seen, according to their level of presence in degree qualification syllabi at public universities in the region of Andalusia (Spain). The main conclusion we have found is the importance of prioritizing the "Personal" dimension in university education as an exogenous variable that conditions the social and entrepreneurship values, which also has a direct effect on the values related to the "Environmental" dimension, with the purpose of achieving a balanced and significant presence of values related to blue and sustainable entrepreneurship.

This investigation correlates the microstructure of a thermal barrier coating, analysed through scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis, with the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data which show the variation in electrical properties after isothermal oxidation. A thermal barrier coating comprising a ceramic top layer, ZrO2 8Y2O3 (weight %), and an overlay coating, Ni 22Cr 10Al 1Y (weight %), air plasma sprayed over a nickel base alloy In 600 substrate was studied. These materials were heat treated in air at 1050 ºC for 72, 144 y 336 h. A thermally grown oxide layer, mainly comprising Cr y Al oxides, was formed between the ceramic and the overlay coating. This layer modified the electrical response of the thermal barrier coating in the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests.Este trabajo correlaciona la microestructura de un recubrimiento de barrera térmica, estudiada mediante microscopía electrónica de barrido y microanálisis de rayos X, con los resultados obtenidos mediante espectroscopía de impedancia electroquímica que muestran la variación de sus propiedades eléctricas tras un proceso de oxidación isoterma. El sistema estudiado está formado por una capa cerámica, ZrO2 8Y2O3 (% en masa), y un anclaje metálico, Ni 22Cr 10Al 1Y (% en masa), depositados ambos por proyección térmica asistida por plasma sobre un sustrato de aleación base níquel In 600. Estos recubrimientos se oxidaron isotérmicamente en aire a 1050 ºC durante 72, 144 y 336 h. Se formó una capa intermedia de óxidos (“thermally grown oxides”, TGO) entre el anclaje metálico y el recubrimiento cerámico formada por una mezcla de óxidos de Cr y Al que se tradujo en la variación de los parámetros característicos de la impedancia de la barrera térmica.

The aim of this investigation is to modify the surface of thermal sprayed CaZrO3 coatings to reduce their porosity and improve their properties. A high power diode laser was used to produce the melting of the superficial ceramic coating. Different parameters have been evaluated in the process, in particular laser beam power/energy and the laser scanning speed. Microstructural changes induced by the laser treatment were evaluated by light microscopy and environmental scanning electron microscopy. The coatings were also characterized by X ray diffraction in order to detect the possible phase transformations.Esta investigación ha desarrollado tratamientos de modificación superficial sobre recubrimientos de CaZrO3 proyectados térmicamente, encaminados a mejorar su densificación y propiedades. Para la fusión de la superficie cerámica se ha utilizado un láser de diodo de alta energía, evaluando la influencia de parámetros como la potencia del haz láser y la velocidad de barrido sobre la superficie. Las microestructuras inducidas por el tratamiento láser se analizaron utilizando un microscopio óptico y un microscopio electrónico de barrido ambiental. Los recubrimientos también se caracterizaron mediante difracción de rayos X para detectar posibles cambios de fase.

The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) has increased worldwide, and early diagnosis is crucial to reduce mortality rates. Therefore, new noninvasive biomarkers for CRC are required. Recent studies have revealed an imbalance in the oral and gut microbiomes of patients with CRC, as well as impaired gut vascular barrier function. In the present study, the microbiomes of saliva, crevicular fluid, feces, and non‐neoplastic and tumor intestinal tissue samples of 93 CRC patients and 30 healthy individuals without digestive disorders (non‐CRC) were analyzed by 16S rRNA metabarcoding procedures. The data revealed that Parvimonas, Fusobacterium, and Bacteroides fragilis were significantly over‐represented in stool samples of CRC patients, whereas Faecalibacterium and Blautia were significantly over‐abundant in the non‐CRC group. Moreover, the tumor samples were enriched in well‐known periodontal anaerobes, including Fusobacterium, Parvimonas, Peptostreptococcus, Porphyromonas, and Prevotella. Co‐occurrence patterns of these oral microorganisms were observed in the subgingival pocket and in the tumor tissues of CRC patients, where they also correlated with other gut microbes, such as Hungatella. This study provides new evidence that oral pathobionts, normally located in subgingival pockets, can migrate to the colon and probably aggregate with aerobic bacteria, forming synergistic consortia. Furthermore, we suggest that the group composed of Fusobacterium, Parvimonas, Bacteroides, and Faecalibacterium could be used to design an excellent noninvasive fecal test for the early diagnosis of CRC. The combination of these four genera would significantly improve the reliability of a discriminatory test with respect to others that use a single species as a unique CRC biomarker.

Oral and intestinal samples from a cohort of 93 colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and 30 healthy controls (non‐CRC) were collected for microbiome analysis. Saliva (28 non‐CRC and 94 CRC), feces (30 non‐CRC and 97 CRC), subgingival fluid (20 CRC), and tumor tissue samples (20 CRC) were used for 16S metabarcoding and/or RNA sequencing (RNAseq) approaches. A differential analysis of the abundance, performed with the ANCOM‐BC package, adjusting the P‐values by the Holm‐Bonferroni method, revealed that Parvimonas was significantly over‐represented in feces from CRC patients (P‐value

Abstract Background The aim of our study is to analyse the trends in the diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We conducted an observational retrospective population-based study using data from primary care electronic health records spanning from January 2016 to December 2022 (involving 5.1 million people older than 14 years). We described the daily number of new STI diagnoses from 2016 to 2022; as well as the monthly accumulation of new STI diagnoses for each year. We compared the monthly averages of new diagnoses in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 using the T-test. Finally, we performed a segmented regression analysis of the daily number of STI diagnoses. Results We analysed 200,676 new STI diagnoses. The number of diagnoses abruptly decreased coinciding with the lockdown. Overall in 2020, we observed a reduction of 15%, with higher reductions for specific STIs such as gonorrhoea (-21%), chlamydia (-24%), and HIV (-31%) compared to 2019. Following this drastic drop, which was temporarily associated with the lockdown, we observed a rapid rebound. In 2021, the number of STI diagnoses was similar to that of 2019. Notably, we found a considerable increase in 2022, particularly for non-specific STI, which lack laboratory confirmation (67% increase). HIV was the only STI with a reduction of up to -38% in diagnoses at the end of 2022 compared to 2019. Conclusions After a significant reduction in 2020, the number of STIs recorded in primary care rapidly rebounded, and the current trend is similar to that of 2019, except for HIV. These findings underscore the dynamic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on STI diagnoses and highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and public health interventions in the post-pandemic period.

This paper analyses the degradation of a ceramic top coating 70%ZrO2 – 30%CaO deposited onto a stainless steel AISI 304 by thermal spray, using Ni-6%Al-5%Mo as overlay coating. These thermal barrier coatings were heat treated for 48, 120 and 288 h at 800 ºC to evaluate the degradation of these materials by isothermal oxidation. The microstructure evolution during oxidation was analysed by environmental scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X ray microanalysis and X ray diffraction. A thermally grown oxide layer was observed between the overlay coating and the ceramic top coating after oxidation. This layer was formed by a mixed Al and Ni oxides.En este trabajo se estudia la degradación de un recubrimiento 70%ZrO2 – 30%CaO crecido por proyección térmica de oxiacetileno sobre un acero inoxidable austenítico AISI 304 y empleando una leación de Ni-6%Al-5%Mo como capa de anclaje. Los recubrimientos se trataron térmicamente en aire a 800 ºC durante 48, 120 y 288 horas para evaluar la degradación de estos materiales por oxidación isotérmica. La evolución de la microestructura de las barreras como consecuencia del proceso de oxidación se analizó mediante microscopía electrónica de barrido ambiental, microscopía electrónica de transmisión, microanálisis de rayos X (EDX) y difracción de rayos X. Durante la oxidación de los recubrimientos creció una capa intermedia de óxidos (“thermally grown oxides”, TGO) entre el anclaje metálico y el recubrimiento cerámico formada por una mezcla de óxidos de Al y Ni.

This investigation was aimed to analyse the mechanical behaviour of an eutectic ceramic Al2O3/YAG processed by directional solidification in a Bridgman furnace. Fracture toughness and young modulus were measured through three point bend tests from room temperature up to 1650 ºC. These tests were performed under stroke control using two different cross-head speeds to analyse the influence of strain rate on the fracture behaviour. The material was brittle up to 1400 ºC and plastic deformation was found at higher temperature. Plastic deformation was reduced, or even disappeared, when the strain rate was increased. Finally, the investigation was completed with the analysis of the deformation and fracture micromechanisms in the crack tip.Esta investigación se ha centrado en el estudio de un eutéctico cerámico Al2O3/YAG fabricado por solidificación direccional mediante el método de Bridgman. Se han realizado ensayos de tenacidad de fractura por flexión en tres puntos y se ha medido el módulo de elasticidad entre temperatura ambiente y 1650 ºC. Así mismo se han utilizado dos velocidades de ensayo para analizar la influencia de la velocidad de deformación en el comportamiento en fractura. El comportamiento ha sido frágil hasta 1400 ºC, temperatura a partir de la cual comienzan a aparecer fenómenos plásticos. Estos se reducen o desaparecen cuando se aumenta la velocidad de deformación del material. Finalmente, el estudio se ha completado con el análisis de los mecanismos de deformación y rotura en el frente de la grieta.

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is being developed as a non-destructive evaluation technique for life-remain assessment and quality control of thermal barrier coatings. In this investigation, changes in electric properties of coatings deposited by thermal spray were measured by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy as a function of the isothermal oxidation in air at different times. Finally, the results obtained by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were related to the coating’s microstructure studied by environmental scanning electronic microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis.La espectroscopía de impedancia electroquímica resulta ser una técnica de ensayo no destructiva prometedora para evaluar el estado y control de calidad de las barreras térmicas. Este trabajo muestra la variación de las propiedades eléctricas de barreras, depositadas por proyección térmica, medidas por espectroscopía de impedancia electroquímica en función de la oxidación isotérmica al aire con diferentes tiempos de exposición. Finalmente se relacionan los resultados de la espectroscopia de impedancia con la microestructura, estudiada mediante microscopía electrónica de barrido ambiental y microanálisis de rayos X.

The mechanical properties of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ superconductor fibres processed by laser-induced directional solidification at different growth rates were studied. Tensile and diametral compression (Brazilian test) tests were performed to analyse the longitudinal and transversal strength. The elastic modulus was determined using the flexural vibration resonance method. Flexure tests were also carried out to compare with the literature data. In addition, polished sections of the as-received fibres and the fracture surfaces of the broken samples were analysed in the scanning electron microscope. The fibres were highly anisotropic and the transverse fibre strength was very low due to the early failure by cleavage of the grains perpendicularly to the c axis. The degree of anisotropy and the longitudinal strength increased as the fibre growth rate decreased while the transverse strength followed the opposite trend. This behaviour was due to changes in the porosity and the alignment of the crystals along the fibre axis.En este trabajo se han estudiado las propiedades mecánicas de fibras superconductoras Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ fabricadas por solidificación direccional inducida por láser y crecidas a distintas velocidades. Se realizaron ensayos de tracción directa e indirecta (ensayo brasileño para evaluar la resistencia a tracción en las direcciones longitudinal y transversal respecto a la de crecimiento. El módulo elástico de las fibras en la dirección longitudinal se obtuvo midiendo la frecuencia fundamental de resonancia en flexión y se realizaron ensayos de flexión para comparar con los resultados disponibles en la literatura. El trabajo se completa con el estudio de las secciones longitudinales y transversales del material sin ensayar y el análisis fractográfico de las probetas rotas. Las fibras resultaron altamente anisótropas siendo su resistencia en la dirección transversal muy baja, debido a la fractura por clivaje de los planos perpendiculares al eje c. El grado de anisotropía y la resistencia a tracción en la dirección longitudinal aumentaron al disminuir la velocidad de crecimiento mientras que la resistencia mecánica en la dirección transversal disminuyó. Este comportamiento se debió a diferencias en la distribución de la porosidad y a la alineación de los granos.

IntroductionExposure to elevated temperatures and relative humidity expedites the seed aging process, finally leading to seed viability loss. In this context, certain proteins play a pivotal role in safeguarding the longevity of seeds. However, the seedproteomic response to loss viability in Salvia hispanica L., commonly known as chia, remains incompletely understood. MethodsThis work explores the application of proteomics as a potent tool for uncovering molecular responses to viability loss caused by artificial aging in two chia genotypes, WN and MN. ResultsBy using a quantitative label-free proteomics analysis (LC-MS/MS), 1787 proteins wereidentified in chia seeds at a 95% confidence level, including storage proteins, heat shock proteins (HSPs), late embryogenesis abundant proteins (LEA),oleosins, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-related enzymes, and ribosomal proteins. A relatively low percentage of exclusive proteins were identified in viable and non-viable seeds. However, proteins exhibiting differential abundancebetween samples indicated variations in the genotype and physiological status. Specifically, the WN genotype showed 130 proteins with differential abundancecomparing viable and non-viable seeds, while MN displayed changes in the abundance of 174 proteins. While both showed a significant decrease in keyproteins responsible for maintaining seed functionality, longevity, and vigor withhigh-temperature and humidity conditions, such as LEA proteins or HSPs, ROS, and oleosins, distinct responses between genotypes were noted, particularly in ribosomal proteins that were accumulated in MN and diminished in WN seeds.DiscussionOverall, the results emphasize the importance of evaluating changes in proteins of viable and non-viable seeds as they offer valuable insights into the underlying biological mechanisms responsible for the maintenance of chia seed integrity throughout high-temperature and humidity exposure.

Along with corrosion, erosion is one of the main causes of damage to civil infrastructures. The continuous impact of fine particles carried by the air produces a deterioration in the elements of these structures. When this damage is significant, these elements are replaced by new ones. In this work, the possibility of extending the useful life of these components by spraying coatings on the damaged areas is proposed. In this sense, repair techniques such as cold spray deposition are possibilities for this purpose. Therefore, this study focuses on evaluating the erosion behaviour of stainless-steel coatings deposited on structural steel. In addition, the erosion results have been correlated with the model proposed by Hutchings, and an energetic interpretation of the erosion process through this model has been proposed. To carry out this study, stainless steel coatings have been deposited on carbon steel substrates to improve their resistance to corrosion. Different spraying temperatures, from 800 °C to 1100 °C, combined with different pressures of the carrier gas, from 40 to 70 bar, have been analysed. The elastic moduli of the coatings, and their stress-strain curve, have been determined by depth sensing indentation tests with Berkovich and spherical tips, respectively. Erosion tests with normal incidence have been programmed to obtain the corresponding erosion rates. From the results of this work, the optimal projection conditions of stainless steel on carbon steel substrates for the repair of civil infrastructures subjected to erosion processes could be identified.

Abstract Background Anorectal fistula, which is a relatively common pathology, is the chronic manifestation of the acute perirectal process that forms an anal abscess. The development of a fistula after incision and drainage of an anal abscess is seen in approximately 26–37%. Its treatment is a relevant topic, and the role of the use of antibiotic therapy in its prevention remains controversial, after the publication of several studies with contradictory results and several methodological limitations. Our hypothesis is that the combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid will reduce the incidence of anal fistula. Method The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of antibiotherapy after surgical drainage of perianal abscess in the development of perianal fistula. The PERIQxA study is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind controlled trial. The study has been designed to include 286 adult patients who will be randomly (1:1) assigned to either the experimental (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid 875/125 mg TDS for 7 days) or the control arm (placebo). The primary outcome measure is the percentage of patients that develop perianal fistula after surgery and during follow-up (6 months). Discussion This clinical trial is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of amoxicillin/clavulanic in the prevention of perianal fistula. The results of this study are expected to contribute to stablish the potential role of antibiotherapy in the therapeutics for anal abscess. Trial registration EudraCT Number: 2021–003376-14. Registered on November 26, 2021.

Abstract Background This study aims to assess the sustained immunological response to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIRD) undergoing different treatment regimens. Methods We conducted a prospective observational study involving 157 AIRD patients without prior COVID-19 infection. Treatment regimens included non-treatment or glucocorticoid-only (not-treated/GCs), non-biological drugs, biological therapy, and JAK inhibitors. All participants completed the two-dose vaccine schedule, and 110 of them received an additional booster dose. Serum samples were collected approximately 3–6 months after the second and third vaccine doses to measure antibodies against the Spike protein (antiS-AB) and neutralizing antibodies (nAB) targeting six SARS-CoV-2 variants. Results Following the third dose, all patients exhibited a significant increase in antiS-AB (FC = 15, p